"Senior Yue Guan, have you heard of whale jelly?"
"Hmm, of course I've heard of it. It's the stuff those nobles use to enhance their... intimate abilities. Why are you asking about this, kid?"
"Could it be that..."
Yue Guan looked at Gu Han with a skeptical gaze, wondering how a seemingly upright person like him could be interested in something like that.
Sigh, the world is indeed changing. People these days...
"Uh, senior, you've misunderstood."
Seeing the suspicious look from Yue Guan, Gu Han quickly waved his hand in denial. "I discovered another use for whale jelly."
"Oh? Another use?"
Yue Guan's interest was piqued immediately. He had heard that this young man often frequented the library, and his understanding of martial soul theory was more profound than that of many academy instructors.
Now hearing that whale jelly had an alternative use, his curiosity was naturally stirred.
"By accident, I found that whale jelly can enhance a soul master's constitution, allowing them to absorb higher-level soul rings. It also slightly boosts a soul master's innate talent. Though the effect is small, it's certainly real."
"The reason I was able to reach level 23 at the age of 12 with a natural soul power of only level 5 is also due to whale jelly."
"Oh, so that's the case?"
Yue Guan raised an eyebrow, immediately becoming more serious. He looked at Gu Han intently. "This matter, have you told anyone else about it, other than me?"
Gu Han smiled and said, "Senior, such a matter is naturally known only to me."
"Then why tell me about it?"
"Because I want to use this secret to gain more resources for myself."
Gu Han was completely straightforward, making his intentions clear to avoid unnecessary words.
"Interesting, you're honest, I like that."
Yue Guan nodded in approval. He didn't doubt Gu Han's words. When they had set off, the Pope hadn't intended to meet Gu Han personally. He was just supposed to bring the boy to the Spirit Hall and send him to the academy.
But the boy had likely realized that, given his status as a small-time genius, he wasn't yet qualified for a personal audience with the Pope.
So, this was a way of using Yue Guan's presence to pass on the information to the Pope.
"Alright, since you've tested whale jelly yourself, I'm sure there's no problem. I won't ask about how to use it further. Let's go meet His Holiness the Pope now. You can speak with him directly."
"Thank you, Senior Yue Guan."
Gu Han was a little surprised but thanked him with feigned joy.
Since Dragon City was located in a remote area, it took them three full days of travel to return to Spirit City.
"Kid, don't be nervous when you meet the Pope. Also, don't forget the basic etiquette I taught you along the way."
As they walked towards the Pope's Palace, Yue Guan reminded Gu Han, worried that the young man's impetuousness might cause him to offend the Pope. If that happened, Yue Guan wouldn't be able to protect him.
"Thank you for your concern, Senior. I understand."
Gu Han nodded. He certainly wouldn't behave like the members of Shrek's Seven Devils did in the original story. Those guys had protagonist halos and the protection of Bibi Dong's past relationship with Yu Xiaogang to avoid mishaps.
But he wasn't meeting Bibi Dong today; it was Qian Xunji. Who knew what kind of person he was? If his arrogance offended Qian Xunji, he might get slapped to death on the spot.
He was a genius, yes, but not yet strong.
Only those who were strong had the right to be arrogant. A genius who had yet to grow couldn't afford to be arrogant when facing a fully grown genius. That would be a suicidal move.
Respect was necessary.
Spirit City was a massive fortress, surrounded by six thick walls. Each wall had a powerful martial soul engraved upon it.
In the center of the city were two towering and magnificent palaces: the Pope's Palace and the Douluo Palace.
As for the Worship Palace and the Elder's Hall, they were located behind the Pope's Palace and were generally out of sight and reach.
The Pope's Palace was self-explanatory—it was where the Pope governed.
The Douluo Palace, on the other hand, was the holiest place in the continent, where the martial souls of past Titled Douluo were enshrined. Even the Pope couldn't enter the Douluo Palace before his death.
It was considered the sacred land for all soul masters and held a higher status in their hearts than the Pope's Palace.
The Pope's Palace was the grandest building in the entire continent. Standing in front of it, one could feel an overwhelming sense of awe.
At the top of the 99 steps was the Pope's Palace. In front of the main hall stood a statue of an angel, the six-winged angel that symbolized the Spirit Hall.
Yue Guan pushed open the grand doors to the Pope's Palace, walking in respectfully.
Inside the hall, a strong and handsome man with golden hair sat lazily yet dominantly on the Pope's throne. His gaze slightly lowered as he observed the two below, not speaking first.
"Your Holiness the Pope."
Gu Han, following Yue Guan's lead, placed one hand over his chest and knelt on one knee.
"Hm, no need for such formalities."
Qian Xunji's voice had a natural resonance that brought an imposing presence, almost like it came with its own sound system.
"Thank you, Your Holiness."
The two stood up.
"Yue Guan, this child must be the one you were bringing, correct? Didn't I ask you to bring him to the academy?"
"Why did he come to my Pope's Palace?"
Qian Xunji stood up, walking down the stairs with his hands behind his back. His golden eyes made Gu Han break out in a cold sweat.
Yue Guan dared not meet his gaze. Lowering his head, he repeated the conversation between Gu Han and himself.
"Oh, interesting. I didn't expect you, kid, to have this ability."
Qian Xunji raised an eyebrow, placing a hand on Gu Han's shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Hmm, your physique is indeed stronger than most Soul Masters. You've even got the constitution capable of becoming a high-level Soul Emperor. Not bad, you're not lying."
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Holiness. I was just lucky to have discovered it."
Qian Xunji sized up Gu Han before speaking. "I've heard you like to study martial soul theory?"
"It's just a small interest," Gu Han answered honestly.
Qian Xunji nodded. The boy was humble, his talent impressive. With the enhancement from whale jelly, his talent was comparable to those innate-level seven or eight rank Soul Masters.
Add in his efforts, and he was truly someone with potential.
Also, the boy had a thirst for learning. Perhaps keeping him around could have a positive influence on Xiao Dong.
Qian Xunji couldn't help but feel a headache whenever he thought about his disciple. Xiao Dong had rare talent, but she was lazy when it came to studying. Every time she tried to read, she nearly fell asleep. Nothing he said could change that.
Maybe having a hardworking companion could encourage her.
With that thought in mind, Qian Xunji spoke: "I plan to take you as my disciple. Will you accept?"
Gu Han was stunned, his eyes wide in surprise. Yue Guan was equally shocked. The Pope had actually taken the initiative to offer to take this child as a disciple.
Qian Xunji was very pleased with Gu Han's reaction, his lips curling into a playful smile.
"What's wrong? You don't want to?"
"No, I—disciple pays respects to Master!" Gu Han quickly snapped back to his senses and performed the disciple ritual.
No matter what Qian Xunji did in the future, even if he committed monstrous acts, it wouldn't change the fact that he was one of the most powerful figures in the world. Gu Han couldn't refuse.
Besides, Qian Xunji had taken the initiative, and Yue Guan was watching.
If he rejected, wouldn't he be humiliating the Pope? That could only lead to a terrible outcome.
"Good. You're my disciple now. You also have a senior sister. Get settled in today, and tomorrow, I'll introduce you to her."
Qian Xunji's tone softened, clearly satisfied with Gu Han's attitude.
"Yue Guan, take Xiao Han and get him settled in the Pope's Palace. After that, you can go back and rest."
"Yes, Your Holiness."
Yue Guan bowed slightly and led Gu Han out of the hall.